Dumped dogs given second chance at living a happy life in Tyrone

‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ is a slogan which has been around for over 40 years, and a familiar one to many.

But the reality is that dogs are being farmed, dumped and neglected on an insurmountable scale still to this today – bred as Christmas presents, before being dumped into the cold.

A light in the darkness, however, is that there are centres of safety, warmth and love where dogs are taken in for a second chance at happiness.

The Mid Ulster Rehoming Centre for Dogs are a family-run business based in the countryside of Stewartstown – they provide shelter and care for unwanted dogs in the local area.

The centre is owned by Colleen Cunningham and Keith Kirkpatrick who run it with their daughter, Nicole Cunningham – the only volunteer within the centre.

The shelter has been a vital asset to the Mid Ulster community since it began around 17 years ago.

Speaking with the Tyrone Herald, Nicole Cunningham mapped out the challenges and pressures the kennels face following an intensely busy Christmas, including the fact that four litters of puppies have been dumped in the Mid Ulster area this winter season alone.

‘CHALLENGES’

Indeed, the biggest challenge which Nicole listed is puppies.

She expressed how, at the rehoming centre, they have puppies 75 per-cent of the time – which comes at a large expense.

And small bills which may seem insignificant to you or I, can quickly become a hefty burden when caring for over 20 dogs – from heating lamps and puppy milk to veterinary fees and bedding – the centre takes care of it all.

“We have around 20 dogs at the minute for rehoming, and a lot of these are puppies which were dumped over what was an especially busy Christmas period for the centre,” continued Nicole.

There are currently four litters of pups staying at the centre – ‘Dorkies’ (Daschund Yorkshire terrier mix), Labradors, Husky-mix puppies and pug-mix puppies.

“Unfortunately, we do still have a lot of people who are gifting puppies to others at Christmas, which is a big no-no.

“And here at the centre, we find that the puppies which are dumped out are simply ‘stock’ which hasn’t sold for Christmas, which is a sad reality.

“We would urge people not to purchase dogs from backyard breeders full stop,” warned Nicole.

Sadly, one of the Labrador puppies passed away, but the remainder of the puppies are all thriving, according to Nicole, having already begun their vital veterinary treatment.

“The pug-mix puppies were actually born here in the centre,” she said.

“Their mum, Bailey, who just recently went to her forever home, came in pregnant at 10-years-old and gave birth here.”

The centre also currently cares for another golden retriever who is also heavily pregnant.

Nicole moved on to describe a common misconception about shelter dogs.

“There is a stigma that dogs in rehoming centres are unhealthy or they have behavioural problems – which is not the case at all.

All the dogs leaving the centre are both happy and healthy,” asserted Nicole.

ADVICE

Nicole’s message was clear in terms of advice to the community: ‘Be responsible’.

“To alleviate pressures on the rehoming centre, we are just asking people to be responsible.

“People continue to buy from backyard breeders, which is only enticing the breeders to breed again,” she explained.

Nicole also outlined how people can be quick to purchase a dog without taking into consideration the commitment, change and chaos a puppy can bring.

“Take everything into consideration,” she continued. “Dogs pee, dogs poo and dogs chew – and some people actually forget that.

“And no more dumping dogs: We are here with open arms to take in dogs from people, and we understand that circumstances change at the drop of a hat and we want to be here for people in those situations.

“You can come here with no judgment and just be honest,” assured Nicole.

Nicole concluded by describing the emotional burden of seeing the animals in need, distress and turmoil – a downside which is made worthwhile by the positive outcomes for the dogs.

“In the job there is a lot of downs – it can be tough and it can be heartbreaking.

“We see a lot of vulnerable, neglected and ill animals who simply need some care and love.

“But to see dogs come from nothing to then go home in the arms of a loving family – knowing they’re going to be thought the world of – is very rewarding, and that makes it all worthwhile,” concluded Nicole.

If you wish to contribute to the vital work going on at Mid Ulster Rehoming Centre, you can donate by clicking this link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=X4HKG6GBQCBWJ&fbclid=IwAR2Ym5MXJApb6nN-kQ14Ad00EupH-_rDg8b9ullePk3mrNdXqEFqlCJRydU